Scrum-half Prendergast makes Kingsholm move

FORMER Munster scrum-half Mike Prendergast will join Gloucester this summer on a two-year deal from Bourgoin.

The 29-year-old fills the gap left by Haydn Thomas, who is joining Bristol, and brings with him a wealth of experience gained in Ireland and France.

A physical number nine, Prendergast started four of Bourgoin's six pool matches in the Heineken Cup this season, and also knows what it's like to run out at Kingsholm having been a replacement for Munster against Gloucester in 2003.

"Mike has plenty of experience and will enhance our scrum-half options greatly," said head coach Dean Ryan.

"He's a different type of player to the other 9s at the club and I look forward to him challenging them to be first choice. This signing is a great example of the strength in depth we are building at Gloucester."

Prendergast added: "When a club of Gloucester's stature shows an interest in you, you'd be mad to ignore it. I know all about the passion of the fans and the atmosphere at Kingsholm - the miracle match is a night none of us who were lucky enough to be involved will ever forget.

"Once I met with Bryan Redpath and the other coaches it was a very easy decision to make. Gloucester have got a set-up and a squad that can take on the best in Europe, so to be able to play a part in that is fantastic.

"I've had a great time at Bourgoin but am really looking forward to moving to England in the summer and getting stuck in."

Speaking to GRTV in front of the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge, Henry Trinder explained how important the West Country Challenge Cup is going to be for the Cherry and Whites in their preseason preparations.

Speaking to GRTV at preseason training this Tuesday, new signing Willi Heinz gave an update on his recovery from a leg injury and expressed his enjoyment since his arrival in new surroundings with Gloucester Rugby.

Speaking to GRTV after the 22-23 defeat against Bordeaux-Begles which denied Gloucester a place in next season's European Rugby Champions Cup, Nick Wood rued the momentary lapse in concentration which allowed the French side to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

As Gloucester prepare for their 39th game of the season, against Bordeaux-Begles at Sixways on Sunday, David Humphreys told the local media that this week has been all about getting the players mentally and physically ready after a tough game against Connacht last Sunday.

Gloucester Rugby and Scotland scrum half Greig Laidlaw is gearing up for Rugby World Cup with his international teammates, and speaking to the assembled media this week, Laidlaw is excited to be in familiar surroundings at the showcase tournament.

With 50 days to go until Rugby World Cup 2015 gets underway several of the nations that are set to take to the Kingsholm Stadium field during the pool stages were in action in Toronto in Round Three of the Pacific Nations Cup.